UT to attempt world record at Tie One On fundraiser

The University of Toledo is aiming to break the record of the most bow ties worn simultaneously at its fourth annual Tie One On event, set for 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Savage Arena during the basketball game against Bowling Green.

Photo Courtesy University of Toledo

Tie One On was founded by Larry Burns, UT’s vice president of external affairs, as a fundraiser against cancer.

“I’ve always been a bow tie wearer,” Burns said. “Basketball coach Tod Kowalczyk and I wanted a new innovative way to raise awareness for the basketball program. We came up with the idea to sell bow ties to raise awareness about cancer.”

According to Guinness World Records, the record for the most bow ties worn simultaneously is 417 and Burns said he is expecting to exceed that number.

“It would mean a great deal to break the record,” Burns said. “It would put UT and the community on the map and in the ‘Guinness Book of World Records.’”

Participants will receive a bow tie, ticket to the UT men’s basketball game and a pre-game bow tying reception. Women can choose between a bow-tie necklace or a bow tie. Cost is $100 for adults or $20 for UT students.

More than $40,000 has been raised in the first three years of the fundraiser, according to UT’s website.

UT raises approximately $15,000 from ‘Tie One On’

The Toledo men’s basketball team raised approximately $15,000 in funds for the UT Dana Cancer Center in support of prostate cancer care with its “Tie One On” event on Feb. 4 against Buffalo.

Tod Kowalczyk, photo by Nick Kneer

Rockets head coach Tod Kowalczyk and his staff all wore custom Toledo bow ties in support of the event. For fans, donations were accepted and packages of a game ticket, bow tie, commemorative photo and a part in the post-game reception were sold for $100 each.

Last season, the event, organized by Vice President for External Affairs Larry Burns, raised around $4,000.

“I’m just very thankful of this community rallying around ‘Tie One On,’” Kowalczyk said. “I give a lot of credit to Larry Burns for his idea and his hard work. It goes towards a great cause.”